Ice and slush have mostly melted, but the Yellowstone River is still very cold and fish are sluggish. Nymphing is the most effective approach right now; if you throw streamers, plan on a slow-motion strip or swing. Watch for spotty midge hatches depending on wind, and pay close attention to forecasts, wind, and potential ice shelves at ramps. Current flow: 1,260 CFS. Full fly pattern list included.

Ice conditions for Margo’s March Madness Derby are improving but vary widely across the lake: the north end at the county ramp has about 8 inches (with 3 inches of snow), Lions Camp is around 6 inches, and the south end near the dam is roughly 4.5–5 inches. Watch for wet, slushy areas, pressure ridges, and heaved ice—and remember check-in is mandatory before fishing day one.

A cow elk in Montana wastes no time going full defense mode when a mountain lion is near her calf. Hooves fly as the mother elk stomps and strikes—an intense reminder that wildlife threats in the backcountry aren’t limited to predators.

Tackle boxes started as leather and wood in the late 1800s, shifted to mass-produced metal, and then boomed into post–World War II plastic icons from brands like Plano and UMCO. Here’s how a simple gear carrier evolved alongside American fishing culture.

It’s a deep-freeze on the Missouri River below Holter Dam, but the fishing has stayed surprisingly solid for anglers willing to layer up and work for it. Here’s the latest from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, including a flow update and what’s been producing.

Solo time outdoors can be the whole point—but it also means no quick backup if something goes wrong. Use these simple solo hunting and fishing safety basics: stay aware, trust your gut, share your plan, and leave if something feels off.

Feb. 20 update: Open water is visible near Campers Point South (from the road) and reported off Campers Point North by the pond. Warm temps, wind, and snow cover may be creating hidden weak spots and thin-ice “bridges”—use extreme caution.

Hell Creek Marina’s Feb. 22, 2026 ice update says a cold snap improved conditions: SxS are reported good to Lucky Point, 4-wheelers from Lucky Point to Johnson, with questionable ice beyond Johnson. The main lake is reported open—watch for changing conditions.

“Work from anywhere” doesn’t always mean a kitchen table. For some ice anglers, remote flexibility looks like a laptop inside an ice shelter—proof that the real shift is mindset as much as location. If you’re mixing work and ice time, make safety the priority.

Glacier National Park will pilot a ticketed shuttle to Logan Pass in summer 2026, including early-morning express routes. Starting July 1 (weather permitting), Logan Pass parking for private vehicles will be capped at three hours. The park says vehicle reservations won’t be required anywhere in 2026.

A snowmobile rider was killed in an avalanche Sunday in the Centennial Mountains near Island Park, Idaho. The slide was reported north of the Keg Springs trailhead. The victim has not been identified, and officials said more information may follow after a site visit.

Feb. 20 update: Open water is visible near Campers Point South (from the road) and reported off Campers Point North by the pond. Warm temps, wind, and snow cover may be creating hidden weak spots and thin-ice “bridges”—use extreme caution.

Hell Creek Marina’s Feb. 22, 2026 ice update says a cold snap improved conditions: SxS are reported good to Lucky Point, 4-wheelers from Lucky Point to Johnson, with questionable ice beyond Johnson. The main lake is reported open—watch for changing conditions.

“Work from anywhere” doesn’t always mean a kitchen table. For some ice anglers, remote flexibility looks like a laptop inside an ice shelter—proof that the real shift is mindset as much as location. If you’re mixing work and ice time, make safety the priority.

Glacier National Park will pilot a ticketed shuttle to Logan Pass in summer 2026, including early-morning express routes. Starting July 1 (weather permitting), Logan Pass parking for private vehicles will be capped at three hours. The park says vehicle reservations won’t be required anywhere in 2026.

A snowmobile rider was killed in an avalanche Sunday in the Centennial Mountains near Island Park, Idaho. The slide was reported north of the Keg Springs trailhead. The victim has not been identified, and officials said more information may follow after a site visit.

Montana’s Fish & Wildlife Commission ordered the male mountain lion season in LMU 123 and LMU 340 to close one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Hunters should check current quota status before heading out.

The 2026 Kalispell Wolf Banquet is set for February 28 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Expect a hearty meal followed by games, raffles packed with prizes, and an auction with bid-worthy items. Here’s what to know and how to plan ahead.

Last week’s extreme cold and heavy snow dramatically thickened ice across NW Montana, opening up access to some larger lakes. With a warmer, wetter 7-day forecast (highs in the low 40s, lows near 30, possible rain), conditions could change fast—plan carefully and stay current on ice safety.

By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, LMU 680 will close to all hunting of female mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Get the effective time/date, what’s changing, and where to check official quota status on Montana FWP.